The Teal Pumpkin Project Explained: Fun Non-Candy Alternatives, Interactive Maps, and More!
Find out everything you need to know about the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Curious about the Teal Pumpkin Project? View the interactive map for allergy-friendly homes near you and discover affordable ways to join in!
Before we know it, we’ll be getting ready for trick-or-treaters at the door on Halloween night. If you want to feel great about handing out all those goodies, The Teal Pumpkin Project might make you want to participate in Halloween a little differently this year.
What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
The Teal Pumpkin Project was created by FARE with the idea to give out non-food items so kids can participate in the fun holiday, but not receive things that can make them sick. By setting out a teal pumpkin, you’re signaling to parents that it’s safe for children with allergies to stop at your home and trick or treat.
The interactive map makes it SO easy to participate too! 🎉
Their interactive map feature allows families all over the U.S. to find other houses in their neighborhood that are participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project! By simply adding your address or street, it lets other Teal Pumpkin Project followers know you’ll be giving out Teal Pumpkin treats this year!
Plus, it’s a fun and easy way to connect with other homes in your area to help create a safer and more inclusive Halloween for all! 🙌🏻
Have you seen a blue pumpkin on a doorstep? 💙
Although not yet supported by a formal fundraiser or organization, many families across the country have adopted setting out a blue pumpkin as a way to raise awareness for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders who may have a harder time practicing typical Halloween traditions. Head over here for more helpful information on the blue pumpkin.
Ready to grab a teal pumpkin and participate?
Here’s a list of stores where we’ve recently spotted teal pumpkins and allergy-friendly decor:
- Amazon – Assorted Artificial Teal Blue Pumpkins, Set of 7 $17.99 (just $2.57 per pumpkin!)
- Target – 9″ Carvable Teal Pumpkin $10
- Michaels – Allergy Friendly Lawn Decor $9.99+
- Michaels – 8.5″ Plastic Craft Pumpkin $5.99 (reg. $9.99)
Consider making your own teal pumpkin if you don’t want to buy one.
Another great option is to paint a cardboard faux pumpkin or a real one you scoop up from the pumpkin patch. Grab the kids and some paintbrushes and make it a fun and educational fall activity.
Here are my top 10 non-food treat ideas if you want to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project:
*Note that playdough contains wheat/gluten so FARE does not reonlinemend this candy alternative.
Here’s what a few readers said about their Teal Pumpkin Project from last Halloween:
“For years I’ve been handing out glow sticks. Seeing how excited the kids get and how they’d yell to their parents about them is so rewarding. Plus, it’s cheaper than candy too!” – Emily
“We always have Dum Dums which are peanut, dairy, and nut-free in one bowl and toys in another for our teal pumpkin friends. I also save Happy Meal stuff year-round for goodie bags and purchase little packs of crayons for the little ones so parents can put them in their diaper bags. We also often do bubbles, bracelets, fangs, tattoos, and stickers.” – Jodi
“We are a teal pumpkin family as well. I keep two separate containers. One with non-food items (mini-notebooks & crayons, party favor type toys, clearance finds, books, etc.) and the other with mini bags of pretzels, popcorn balls, and other “lunch box” snacks. We do ZERO candy in our house since we end up throwing it away anyhow. Whereas the non-candy treats are always eaten right away. We even keep treats for the dogs, it always blows dog owners away.” – Toretto
